Six Big 12 student-athletes have been named to the 2011 USA Softball Women's National Team as announced by the Amateur Softball Association (ASA) of America and USA Softball.

Missouri led the way with two participants in pitcher Chelsea Thomas and outfielder Rhea Taylor. Oklahoma also had two selections, as hurler Keilani Ricketts made the squad and catcher Jessica Shults was named as the alternate. Baylor pitcher Whitney Canion was named to this year's team, while Texas infielder Taylor Hoagland rounded out the Big 12 selections.

The 18-person roster, plus one alternate, will hit the road in less than a week for their first competition, a two-game exhibition series in Plant City, Fla., on Saturday, June 25. From July 9-17, 12 of the 18 players will play in their first International tournament at the Canadian Open Fast Pitch International Championship in Surrey, B.C., before returning home for the World Cup of Softball VI, July 21-25 in Oklahoma City. Tickets are still available for the World Cup at www.softballoutlet.com.

The USA Softball Women's National Team will seek its 9th Pan American Games title, Oct. 17-23, in Guadalajara, Mexico for the final competition of 2011. With six consecutive titles, USA Softball will again be a top contender during the XVI Pan American Games.